Cycling quarantine tank

Right now I'm not planning on adding any medications. I'm using it solely to acclimate new fish before going in the DT. I have PVC fittings and clay pots in the tank right now. Not sure about adding carbon at this point.

 

Ditch the clay pots, they will absorb medications and treatments and could contaminate future inhabitants. Only non porous materials in a QT or hospital tank. I would stick with that as you never know once you have a fish in the tank whether it will exhibit signs that need treating, never say never. What starts as a QT often ends up a hospital tank so make it safe for both.

 

Really? I got the idea from Bob Fenner's book, "The conscientious marine aquarist".

 

That depends on what medications are added. Also, he is not planning on medicating the fish. I agree that PVC is a better choice than the clay pots.

 

We don't plan on doing many things but once you have the fish in QT and they develop white spots, or start rubbing, or get ich you need to back up and rethink. More often than not a QT turns into a hospital tank so plan accordingly.

 

What kind of decor can I use? I'm thinking of something big. I have sections of pvc pipe sitting on the bottom of the tank.

They have those fake plants and decor items at pet stores, but not sure if that's safe.

 

I just use big pieces of PVC. As long as they can hide and feel comfortable, I don't think it matters if the plastic is in the shape of a plant or not.

 

A QT or hospital tank is meant as a temporary house, no need to decorate it as it will usually be torn down and stored once you have moved the inhabitants to the main display. I can set mine up and tear it down in a mater or 15-20 minutes, it is easy when you store it all together and have fresh RO/DI on hand to make the new saltwater.

If you do decorate make sure it is non porous, many decorative plants and fake corals are porous and would adsorb medications.

 

I picked up some big PVC joints and elbows, etc, so it's all good to go! Thanks for the tips.